Early Childhood Education Program Highlights

The Guilford County Schools in conjunction with Guilford Technical Community College and Early Childhood Education providers sponsor the College Tech Prep Early Childhood Education Program. The purpose of the program is to offer students in grades 9 – 12 a program of study that will help them prepare for a variety of careers in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Students learn the basics of theory and instructional techniques and combines classroom instruction with internships in a variety of Early Childhood Education settings.  This experiences enables students to prepare for career opportunities in education and provides the foundation for further education at two-year and four-year post-secondary institutions.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

• Preparation for a career in Early Childhood Education.
• Option to continue your education by pursuing a degree through a two-year or four-year institution
• Preparation to obtain the NC Child Care Credential required for lead teachers in Early Childhood Education
• Opportunity to earn advanced placement credit at Guilford Technical community college in Early Childhood Education.
• Opportunity to learn valuable skills through an optional paid apprenticeship program while still in high school.
• Option of continuing the apprenticeship program on a full-time basis after high school or part-time while completing a two or four-year degree program.

WHAT IS EARLY CHILDHOOD APPRENTICESHIP?

This program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job work experience as students balance theory and study with hands-on experience in early childhood settings.

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD COLLEGE TECH PREP APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM?

Students who are at least 16 years of age and enrolled in this College Tech Prep course of study have the option of applying for an apprenticeship position. The requirements are:

• Have an interest in Early Childhood Education
• Earn and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 with emphasis on the courses leading to Education careers.
• Maintain a good attendance record.
• Enroll in and complete courses listed in the Early Childhood Education College Tech Prep course of study.
• Earn a C or better in:
  • Algebra I
  • Early Childhood Education I
  • Early Childhood Education II
• Complete an application and interview with sponsoring businesses. A criminal records check, drug screening and fingerprinting are required prior to employment.)

WHAT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CULINARY ARTS INDUSTRY?

• Preschool Teacher
• Teacher
• Child Care Center Director
• Social Worker
• Recreation Director
• Child Psychologist

SCHOLARSHIPS

Guilford County High School students who complete a College Tech Prep course of study in Early childhood Education, maintain at least a 2.0 GPS, and continue as full-time students in the Early Childhood Education program at Guilford Technical Community College are eligible to apply for two years free tuition and fees through the GTCC Tuition Assistance Program.

Click here for information about the Early Childhood Education program at GTCC

Early Childhood Education Homepage